Los Angeles Lakers Hold Off Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day
Game Summary
The Los Angeles Lakers held off the Golden State Warriors 115-113 on Christmas Day, with Austin Reaves scoring the winning layup with one second left. Stephen Curry tied the game with a 31-foot 3-pointer with seven seconds remaining, but Reaves’ shot proved to be the difference-maker. LeBron James had 31 points and 10 assists, playing in his 19th Christmas Day game, a record.
Key Moments
- Curry scored 38 points, including 8 3-pointers, with 12 seconds left and again with 2:49 remaining, only for James to answer from long range on the other end.
- With James running right at him, Curry coolly sunk a 3 at the 10:59 mark of the second quarter, before James hit from deep 17 seconds later.
Takeaways
- The Lakers lost big man Anthony Davis to a sprained left ankle late in the first quarter.
- D’Angelo Russell was out with a sprained left thumb, while center Jaxson Hayes is progressing from a sprained right ankle that has sidelined him since mid-November.
- The Warriors lost for the 11th time in 14 games. Green was hit with his eighth technical late in the second quarter, putting him halfway to the 16 mark that would bring an automatic one-game suspension.
Key Stat
- Curry became the seventh player in NBA history with at least 11 starts on December 25, joining James, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant.
- James earned his 11th win on December 25, passing former teammate Wade’s holiday record.
Up Next
- The Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.
- The Los Angeles Lakers return home to host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
FAQs
Q: How did the game end?
A: Austin Reaves scored the winning layup with one second left after Stephen Curry tied the game with a 31-foot 3-pointer.
Q: How many points did LeBron James score?
A: 31 points
Q: How many 3-pointers did Stephen Curry make?
A: 8
Q: Who did the Lakers lose due to injury?
A: Anthony Davis, with a sprained left ankle.
